Avery's Law in Brooklyn Ohio: New Dog Bite Rules for 2026
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Brooklyn, Ohio, you may be wondering how the state's recent legal changes affect your rights. On March 20, 2026, Ohio's new dangerous dog legislation—widely known as Avery's Law (H.B. 247)—officially took effect. Named after a young girl who survived a horrific attack, this law introduces strict new requirements for owners of dangerous and vicious dogs, including mandatory liability insurance and criminal penalties for non-compliance.
While Avery's Law focuses on preventing future attacks and holding irresponsible owners accountable, the core protections for dog bite victims remain unchanged. Under Ohio's strict liability statute, dog owners are still legally responsible for the injuries their pets cause, regardless of the dog's prior history. If you are pursuing a claim in Brooklyn, your case will be handled through the Parma Municipal Court. Serving Brooklyn, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio, our attorneys help victims navigate both the new regulations and existing liability laws to secure the compensation they deserve.
What is Avery's Law?
Avery's Law (House Bill 247) was signed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2025 and became effective on March 20, 2026. The legislation was drafted in response to a severe dog attack in 2024, aiming to close loopholes in Ohio's previous dog regulations. The law establishes clear, updated definitions for dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior, categorizing them into three distinct tiers: nuisance, dangerous, and vicious.
A "vicious dog act" is now defined as an unprovoked attack resulting in serious injury or death to a person. A "dangerous dog act" involves causing non-serious injury to a person or killing another domestic animal off the owner's property. Owners of dogs classified as dangerous or vicious must now register their animals with the county auditor and comply with strict mandates, including mandatory microchipping, visible warning signs on their property, and ensuring the dog is spayed or neutered.
New $100,000 Insurance Requirement
One of the most significant changes introduced by Avery's Law is the mandatory insurance provision. Owners, keepers, or harborers of dogs legally designated as dangerous or vicious are now required by law to obtain and maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000. This policy must specifically cover injuries, death, or property damage caused by the dog.
For victims of dog bites in Brooklyn, this is a crucial development. In the past, victims sometimes struggled to recover adequate compensation if the dog owner lacked sufficient homeowners or renters insurance, or if their policy contained specific breed exclusions. By mandating a minimum liability policy for known dangerous dogs, Avery's Law helps ensure that funds are available to cover a victim's medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you need help understanding how insurance applies to your case, learn more about dog bite compensation.
Criminal Penalties for Dog Owners
Before Avery's Law, local officials often lacked the enforcement tools necessary to properly manage dangerous dogs before a tragedy occurred. The new legislation changes this by imposing strict criminal liability where none existed previously. Failure to comply with the new registration, confinement, or insurance requirements is now a criminal offense.
If an owner fails to keep a dangerous or vicious dog physically confined or restrained on their premises—whether by leash, tether, fence, or secure enclosure—they can face significant fines and potential imprisonment upon multiple offenses. Furthermore, courts now have the authority to order dogs to undergo mandatory obedience training or, in cases involving serious injury or death to a person, to be euthanized. These criminal deterrence measures are designed to increase safety in communities like Brooklyn and throughout Cuyahoga County.
Ohio Revised Code § 955.28
Importantly, Avery's Law does not change Ohio's existing strict liability statute for dog bites. Under ORC 955.28, the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog remains strictly liable for any injury or loss caused by the dog, regardless of whether the dog was previously classified as dangerous or vicious. Victims do not need to prove negligence to recover damages.
For the full statute text and legal analysis, see our Ohio dog bite law guide.
Dog Bite Resources in Brooklyn, Ohio
If you have been bitten by a dog in Brooklyn, here is the essential local information you need to protect your health and your legal claim:
- Court: Parma Municipal Court handles dog bite claims filed in Brooklyn. Cases may also be filed in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas depending on the claim amount. For more information on the local court, visit our Parma service area page.
- Filing deadline: Up to 6 years under R.C. § 955.28 for strict liability claims. Negligence claims: 2 years. Minor victims: clock starts at age 18.
- Animal Control / Police: Brooklyn Police Department non-emergency: (216) 749-1234. Brooklyn & Parma Heights Animal Control: (216) 635-4291.
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health: Report all bites within 24 hours at ccbh.net or (216) 201-2001. Request the investigation report — it is key evidence.
- Nearest Emergency Care: MetroHealth Medical Center (Main Campus), 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH 44109. Phone: (216) 778-7800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avery's Law change how I file a dog bite lawsuit in Brooklyn?
No. Avery's Law primarily introduces new criminal penalties and insurance requirements for owners of dangerous dogs. Your right to file a civil lawsuit for compensation remains governed by Ohio's strict liability statute (ORC 955.28). You still do not need to prove the owner was negligent to recover damages.
What should I do immediately after a dog attack?
Your first priority is to seek medical attention, even for minor bites, to prevent infection. Next, report the incident to the Brooklyn Police Department or Animal Control to create an official record. Finally, gather evidence such as photos of your injuries and witness contact information. For a complete checklist, read our guide on what to do after a dog bite.
Can a dog's classification under Avery's Law be used in my civil case?
Yes. If a dog that bit you was previously adjudicated as "dangerous" or "vicious" under Avery's Law, that status is likely admissible as evidence in your subsequent civil lawsuit. This can strengthen your claim by demonstrating the owner's knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies.
Injured by a Dog in Brooklyn?
Ohio's strict liability law may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring — regardless of the dog's prior history.
Cases filed in Brooklyn are heard at the Parma Municipal Court — our attorneys know this court and can guide you through every step of the legal process.
Get Your Free Case ReviewThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Contact a licensed Ohio attorney for advice about your specific situation.
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Injured in a Dog Bite in the Cleveland Area?
Ohio's strict liability law means you don't have to prove the dog was dangerous before. Ryan Injury Attorneys handles dog bite cases throughout Cuyahoga County. No fee unless we recover for you.